Seven Bilbao Athletic Players Train With The First Team On Monday

Gaizka Larrazabal will train with the first team this summer (Zabaleta)

The emotions of Sunday’s win and farewell tribute are over. Athletic are now preparing for their final game of the season where a victory over Sevilla would see the Lions finish 6th. Even a draw would guarantee 7th place and Europe, but a loss will put the Basques in danger of missing out on Europe altogether.

Gaizka Garitano put the squad through training on Monday where Iker Muniain and Yuri Berchiche were absent. The pair started against Celta and went through a physical therapy recovery session. Neither is said to be in danger of miss Saturday’s trip to Sevilla. Interestingly, seven players from Bilbao Athletic were called to train with the first team.

Gaizka Larrazabal, Jon Rojo, Jon Sillero, Iñigo Baqué, Antonio Salado, Jon Morcillo, and Asier Benito all worked under the orders of Garitano. Larrazabal will actually spend the summer with the first team and Rojo recently renewed his contract for next season. Peru Nolaskoain also trained with the first team as he has split time with Athletic and the reserves this season. Of course, Gorka Guruzeta has not been able to train and is preparing for surgery on Wednesday to repair his torn ACL.

The squad will have the day off on Tuesday but will be back in training for the rest of the week. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Garitano will have his entire squad available for Saturday’s match against Sevilla. Athletic’s entire season comes down to the final game of the season where Europe is on the line.